New Geomagic eShell cuts sculpting time by 33%

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 29, 2004- Geomagic has released a new version of its Geomagic eShell software that cuts sculpting time for customized hearing instrument shells by 33 percent or more.

“We’ve seen a reduction of anywhere from 33 percent to about 50 percent for operators,” says Russ Schreiner, project director for GN ReSound, a Geomagic eShell user and early adopter of version 6. “It is allowing us to meet production demand with less head count. One person can multitask, handling both sculpting and machine operations in some cases.”

Geomagic eShell version 6 combines configuration management, shell design and quality inspection in one simple package. It is compatible with all 3D hardware appliances used to capture data and fabricate shells. The standard software approach lowers customers’ initial and recurring technology costs.

Speed and consistency

Binaural sculpting – the ability to simultaneously sculpt both the left and right sides of a shell – is the key factor in the increased speed of Geomagic eShell 6. Binaural sculpting automatically transfers commands from the primary shell to the second shell, and allows automatic modification by the user. This not only increases production speed, it helps maintain consistency among sculptors working at different locations.

Further speeding production is the ability to import a “virtual faceplate” containing the geometric definition for electronic components. Components are placed in the shell to avoid interference; the faceplate is then merged into the shell. When the shell is printed, the components can be plugged easily into the base, eliminating the need for a traditional faceplate.

On the front end of Geomagic eShell 6 is a new order configuration module that enables specific order parameters to be defined before shell design, further automating the sculpting process and reducing design time. Based on the information in the order configuration, electronic components and faceplates are automatically imported for placement during sculpting. This reduces operator error according to Schreiner.

“This is an extremely stable release of the most complete and reasonably priced software package in the hearing aid marketplace,” says Schreiner. Geomagic eShell 6 is available immediately. For more information, visit the Geomagic web site: www.geomagic.com.

About Geomagic

Geomagic (www.geomagic.com) is a global company dedicated to advancing and applying 3D technology for the benefit of humanity. Geomagic’s scanning and design software solutions are used to capture and model 3D content from physical objects, organically sculpt complex shapes, and prepare products for manufacturing. In addition, the company produces powerful 3D metrology and inspection software that verifies dimensional quality by comparing as-built products to master designs. Geomagic’s Sensable Phantom haptic devices simulate the sense of touch in a digital environment.